Device for treating the hair having a removable rocking pressing element

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device for treating the hair, comprising a first ( 5 ) and a second  86 ) arm that are able to move relative to one another between a moved-together configuration for treating the hair and a spaced-apart configuration for inserting hair to be treated between said arms, the first arm carrying an applicator member ( 26 ) for applying a cosmetic product that is able to come into contact with the hair in the moved-together configuration of the arms, and the second arm having at least one housing ( 38 ); a pressing element ( 21 ) disposed removably in the housing, the pressing element being configured to press the hair against the applicator member in the moved-together configuration; and a support means ( 40 ) on which the pressing member bears in the housing, this support means being configured to allow the pressing element to carry out a rocking movement in the housing.

The present invention relates to devices for treating the hair, and more particularly, but not exclusively, those intended for shaping the hair, notably those intended for straightening, curling or crimping the hair.

The invention is concerned with devices comprising two arms that are able to move with respect to one another, being able to take up a spaced-apart configuration for introducing a lock of hair between said arms and a moved-together configuration for treating the lock, the arms being able to move along the lock in this moved-together configuration. In such devices, the arms frequently carry two heating elements with which the hair is brought into contact during the use of the device.

BACKGROUND

Numerous devices of this type, sometimes also known as straightening irons, have already been proposed, implementing the application of a haircare product to the hair.

The application WO 2009/078046 describes an appliance comprising a seat for accommodating a hair treatment device allowing a haircare product to be dispensed during operation. This device is composed of a support material impregnated with the haircare product for a single use. In the closed position, the support material comes into contact with a presser in the form of a roller or plate.

The application WO 2014/064660 discloses a hairstyling appliance comprising a reservoir containing the product to be applied, an applicator member for applying said product on one of the jaws and a steam outlet on the other of the jaws. The applicator member is disposed opposite a counter-bearing surface. Also known, from the applications US 2001/0022184 and WO 2012/157865, are hairstyling appliances comprising heating elements that are each mounted in an articulated manner on a holding means.

The invention aims to further improve devices for applying a haircare product to hair.

SUMMARY

According to a first of its aspects, a subject of the invention is thus a device for treating the hair, comprising:

-   -   a first and a second arm that are able to move relative to one         another between a moved-together configuration for treating the         hair and a spaced-apart configuration for inserting hair to be         treated between said arms, the first arm carrying an applicator         member for applying a cosmetic product that is able to come into         contact with the hair in the moved-together configuration of the         arms, and the second arm having at least one housing,     -   a pressing element disposed removably in the housing, the         pressing element being configured to press the hair against the         applicator member in the moved-together configuration of the         arms, and     -   a support means on which the pressing element bears in the         housing, this support means being configured to allow the         pressing element to rock in the housing.

The term “rock” should be understood as meaning that the pressing element can exhibit a rotary movement about at least one axis, it being possible for the movement of the pressing element to be a more complex movement, with rotary components about several axes, notably about or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pressing element and/or about or parallel to a transverse axis of the housing.

The pressing element makes it possible to push the hair against the applicator member so as to allow effective application of the cosmetic product onto the hair.

The rocking of the pressing element makes it possible to exert a more uniform pressure along the entire length of the applicator member and to take account of manufacturing tolerances.

The pressing element is able to adapt to a possible incorrect inclination of the applicator member, this being particularly useful when the applicator member is removable and can come from various sources.

The fact that the pressing element is removable makes it possible to clean the latter, notably after a lengthy use or when the user wishes to change the cosmetic product to be applied. This also makes it possible to change the pressing element, notably to replace it with a pressing element with a different shape, or with a different size, in order for example to modify the quantity of cosmetic product applied and/or the effect obtained on the hair, notably by modifying the force with which the pressing element presses against the applicator member. This also makes it possible to access the housing which holds it and to be able to clean the latter and/or change the support means. For example, in the case of a spring disposed in the housing, this can make it possible to change the latter notably in order to modify the pressure exerted on the applicator member by the pressing element.

Preferably, the pressing element and the applicator member each have an elongate shape along a longitudinal axis Y and are advantageously the same length.

More preferably, the pressing element has a bearing surface having a shape complementary to that of the application surface of the applicator member. For example, the bearing surface and the application surface are flat in their opposing regions.

The support member can be rigid; alternatively, it is elastically deformable. In a further alternative, the support means comprises a region in which contact is made rigidly and one or more regions in which contact is made with one or more elastic return members which are designed for example to return the pressing element into a predefined rest position when there is no mechanical loading by the applicator member. The elastic return member(s) can be coil springs or leaf springs.

Preferably, the support means comprises, notably is, a relief protruding from the bottom of the housing and/or of the pressing element, notably in the form of a half-sphere, or in the form of a substantially conical tooth, or in the form of a half-cylinder oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the pressing element. Alternatively or in addition, the support means comprises at least one spring, notably a leaf spring, disposed in the housing, for example fastened to the bottom of the housing or fastened to the pressing element. For example, the spring(s) force(s) the pressing element into abutment against the protruding relief.

In particular, the spring(s) can force the pressing element into abutment against the relief protruding from the bottom of the housing.

The support means can be removable, being held for example in a depression in the housing when it is in place on the device.

A small extent of the bearing zone facilitates the rocking.

Preferably, the bearing region in the housing is situated substantially half-way along the pressing element.

Alternatively, the support means comprises at least two springs, notably two coil springs that are disposed in the housing, fastened to the bottom of the housing or fastened to the pressing element, and are disposed notably close to the axial ends of the pressing element. It is then possible for the pressing element to rock on account of the elastically deformable nature of the springs.

The housing is preferably closed over at least three of its sides and over its bottom.

The pressing element, is preferably inserted, notably by being slid, into the housing or withdrawn therefrom through a front opening in the latter. The pressing element may comprise at least one relief such as a rib or a groove that cooperates with a complementary relief such as a groove or a rib on an opposing wall of the device, at least partially defining the housing.

The device may comprise, on the second arm, at least one member for locking the pressing element in the housing, notably a locking member intended to cooperate with the pressing element, in particular with a corresponding relief on the latter. The locking member makes it possible to prevent the pressing element from accidentally coming out.

The pressing element may be able to move along an axis perpendicular to the application surface, notably able to move over a maximum depression travel of between 5 mm and 1 mm. For example, the abovementioned grooves are wider than the corresponding ribs, such that the pressing element is able to move in translation relative to the ribs, and thus to the housing, along this axis. The maximum depression travel may be defined by a relief on the pressing element, coming into contact with the bottom of the housing, and/or by the width of the grooves.

The travel of the pressing element may notably be such that, while the device is being used, the hairs to be treated, which are held between the two arms of the device, are aligned, and preferably extend parallel to a direction of movement of the device.

The pressing element can form a one-piece part.

The pressing element can have a flat or non-flat bearing surface, notably having in cross section a contour that is not straight, for example convex or concave towards the outside, in the form of a dihedron or of a dihedron truncated at its top.

The pressing element can have a substantially parallelepipedal shape or be formed by a roller.

The pressing element can have surface roughness. The roughness can notably help to straighten the hair.

The pressing element can be made of a plastics material, notably of polyamide (PA), glass-fibre reinforced polyamide (PAGF) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or of metal.

Alternatively, the pressing element is made of a porous material, notably a material formed by fibres that are oriented substantially in the same direction and assembled to form a felt, or of a foam. In this case, the pressing element can help to apply the product to both sides of the treated lock, and/or to absorb surplus product, and/or to homogenize the application of the product to the hair.

The pressing element can be heated. This can make it possible, at the time that the cosmetic product is applied, to fluidize the latter.

The pressing element can have a length of between 70 mm and 110 mm.

The applicator member is preferably made of a porous material, notably formed by a set of fibres that are oriented substantially in the same direction and assembled to form a felt, or of a foam.

The applicator member can have a flat or non-flat bearing surface, notably having in cross section a side with a contour that is not straight, for example convex or concave towards the outside.

Preferably, the applicator member is saturated with the cosmetic product to be applied to the hair.

In one exemplary embodiment, the pressing element comprises at least one protuberance or pin inserted into a path defined by the housing holding the pressing element. This protuberance or pin defines a rocking axis of the pressing element.

The path is defined for example by a slot or a groove.

This protuberance can be carried by an elastically deformable tab of the pressing element. The protuberance can be fitted in this path by elastic deformation of the tab that carries it, during the mounting of the pressing element in the housing. Preferably, the pressing element comprises two such tabs and two such protuberances, which face one another.

The pressing element can be urged into the spaced-apart position by two springs, notably coil springs working in compression, that are held at one end in guides and bear at the other end against a wall of the pressing element. The housing can have a relief, notably with a T-shaped cross section, and the pressing element can be retained in the housing by reliefs of the pressing element, notably bulges, coming into abutment under the head of the T.

The comb can be fastened by being slid on the pressing element, by insertion of at least two mutually separate fastening reliefs into corresponding housings in the pressing element, which are likewise mutually separate.

These housings can be situated on either side of the abovementioned path, in the longitudinal direction. The fastening reliefs can be ribs having a cylindrical shape with an at least partially circular cross section, and can be connected to the rest of the comb by lugs which are inserted into corresponding slots, through which the housings open onto the outside.

Alternatively, the fastening reliefs are hooks that are inserted into windows in the pressing element.

The pressing element can have a U-shaped overall cross section with two opposite uprights, and the disposition of ribs and housings is preferably such that the comb is pressed against one of the uprights of the pressing element, the base of the teeth of the comb being positioned substantially at the wall connecting the uprights, which also defines the bearing surface for the applicator member.

The comb can have a longitudinal rib that bears against said upright, above the abovementioned lugs that connect the cylindrical ribs to the rest of the comb.

The comb also bears frontally against the upright below said lugs.

At one end, the comb may comprise an elastically deformable locking tab designed to be snap-fastened to the pressing element once it has finished being introduced into the latter.

Alternatively, the comb may comprise blocking reliefs on the fastening reliefs that cooperate with complementary blocking reliefs on the pressing element.

The comb may comprise a blocking tab that closes the introduction opening once the comb has been mounted on the pressing element.

The comb may comprise a handle which helps it to be fitted and removed.

The comb can only be introduced into or removed from the pressing element when the latter is in its high position. In particular, the walls defining the housings for receiving the separate longitudinal ribs of the comb can be inserted into corresponding windows in the underlying structure when the pressing element is depressed, these windows being formed in a wall of the housing extending between the U-shaped uprights of the pressing element. When the pressing element is depressed, said wall tends to prevent the exit of the ribs of the comb that are inserted into said housings.

The pressing element and the applicator member can be made of the same material.

More preferably, the applicator member is removable. The applicator member can be mounted on a part that serves as a holder in order to form a removable refill. The fact that the applicator member or the refill is removable makes it possible to change the applicator member for hygiene reasons or when it no longer contains any cosmetic product, or when the user wishes to use another applicator member or a different refill, notably with a different shape or containing a different cosmetic product.

The applicator member can be supplied with product by a reservoir in the arm which carries it. This reservoir can be fastened permanently to the arm or be removable, and for example designed to be fitted and removed at the same time as the applicator member.

The device may comprise at least two heated plates, which are disposed on the first and the second arm, respectively, and each press the hair against the other of the heated plates in the moved-together configuration.

The pressing element preferably has a length substantially equal to the length of the heated plate(s).

The device preferably comprises a detection member for recording the number of applications of product and/or the time for which the hair is pressed against the applicator member, for example the number of times the arms are moved together and/or the time for which they are held in the moved-together configuration. This detection member may comprise a switch, a reed switch, or an optical, inductive or capacitive sensor. This detection member is preferably disposed in the housing under the pressing element in order for the latter to come into contact therewith in the moved-together configuration of the arms.

The device may comprise an identifier of the applicator member, notably of the refill, in particular a particular relief present on the refill or an electronic identification chip.

The device may comprise a member for identifying the applicator member, which detects the identifier of the applicator member and compares it with registered identifiers. This can prevent the use of an applicator member that is not registered or allow the device to link a number of applications to the hair and/or an application time with each applicator member. Thus, when the applicator member is changed, the device recognizes the new applicator member.

The device may comprise a steam outlet for exposing the hair introduced into the device to steam, notably a steam outlet disposed upstream of the applicator member, in the direction of movement of the device over the hair.

A further subject of the invention is a method for treating hair with the aid of a device according to the invention, wherein the arms of the device are closed around a lock of hair and said device is moved along the lock of hair in order to expose the latter to the successive steps of:

-   -   applying the cosmetic product by the lock of hair being pressed         against the applicator member by the pressing element,     -   optionally, applying steam to the lock of hair, and     -   straightening the hair by heating the lock of hair in contact         with at least one heated plate, notably by passing it between         two opposing heated plates.

The method may also include the step(s) of:

-   -   identifying the applicator member, and/or     -   detecting whether the applicator member is empty, notably by         measuring the number of applications and/or the time for which         the hair is pressed against the applicator member, and         signalling to the user when the applicator member is empty.

The invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting illustrative embodiments thereof and from examining the appended drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of an example of a device according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a front view along II in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a cross section along III-III in FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device from FIG. 1 without the pressing element and the applicator member,

FIG. 5 schematically shows a perspective view of an example of a pressing element,

FIG. 6 is a perspective view along VI in FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is section through an example of a pressing element and of a support means in the housing,

FIG. 8 shows a cross section through a device incorporating the pressing element in FIG. 7,

FIGS. 9 to 12 are longitudinal sections through variants of pressing elements and of the support means in the housing,

FIGS. 13A to 13C are cross sections through variants of pressing elements,

FIG. 14 is a cross section through another example of a device according to the invention,

FIGS. 15 and 16 show two perspective cutaway views of a detail of another example of the device according to the invention,

FIG. 17 is a cutaway view of a detail of the example of the device in FIGS. 15 and 16, as seen from the front,

FIG. 18 is a cutaway view of a detail of the example of the device in FIGS. 15 and 16,

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a detail of the pressing element of the device in FIGS. 15 and 16,

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a comb of the device in FIGS. 15 and 16,

FIG. 21 is a partial view of the comb in FIG. 20, from a different perspective from that in FIG. 20,

FIG. 22 is a view from below of a variant of a pressing element and a comb,

FIG. 23 is a cutaway view of a detail of a device configured to receive the pressing element and the comb of FIG. 22,

FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of the pressing element of FIG. 22, and

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the comb of FIG. 22.

In the rest of the description, identical or analogous elements bear the same reference signs. In order to make the present description concise, these elements are not described in detail with regard to all of the embodiments. Instead, only the different elements from one embodiment to another are described in detail.

FIG. 1 shows the handpiece 2 of an example of a device for treating the hair according to the invention.

This handpiece 2 has two jaws 3 and 4 that are able to move with respect to one another between a spaced-apart configuration (not shown) for the introduction between said jaws of a lock of hair, and a moved-together configuration for treatment, illustrated in FIG. 1.

The jaws 3 and 4 are carried by an upper arm 5 and a lower arm 6, respectively, which, in the example in question, are connected together at one end by an articulation 8, the handpiece 2 thus forming tongs.

The upper arm 5 and lower arm 6 each preferably have a total length of between 22 cm and 31 cm and define, between the articulation 8 and the jaws 3 and 4, respective half-handles 10 and 11 on which the user can press in order to move the jaws 3 and 4 together.

The upper arm 5 and lower arm 6 extend along respective longitudinal axes X₁ and X₂ which are preferably substantially parallel to one another when the jaws 3 and 4 are closed.

An elastic return member (not visible) is preferably provided to return the jaws 3 and 4 to a spaced-apart configuration, this elastic return member being for example a spring disposed around an articulation pin 8.

The invention is not limited to a particular manner of connecting the upper arm 5 and lower arm 6 together and the jaws 3 and 4 may be rendered able to move in some other way without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, the presence of an articulation is largely preferred for the ergonomics it provides.

The jaws 3 and 4 define between one another a region for treating the hair, said region being intended to receive a lock of hair to be treated, the handpiece 2 being moved along said lock during the treatment, for example in the direction from the root to the end of the hair.

In the example in question, the handpiece 2 is configured to comb the hair by passing it through a comb 13, to apply a cosmetic product, to treat the hair by way of steam and then to carry out a heat treatment of the hair by contact with two heating surfaces 15, 16, formed in this case by heated plates intended to heat the hair.

The direction D of movement of the handpiece 2 over the hair, illustrated in FIG. 2, is preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes X₁ and X₂ of the arms 5 and 6.

In the example in question, the handpiece 2 is connected by a line 18 to a base station (not shown) that is fixed during the treatment and is connected to the mains.

This base station provides the electric power supply to the handpiece 2 and also its supply with water in order to generate steam, and may also carry out additional functions of processing electrical signals received from the handpiece 2. The line 18 which connects the handpiece 2 to the base station can thus comprise various electrical conductors and a water supply pipe.

A user interface (not shown in the figures) can be present on the handpiece 2 so as to allow the user for example to start up certain components thereof, or not.

The cosmetic product is applied by a refill 20 carried by one of the two arms, 5 or 6, in this case the upper arm 5. The refill 20 comes into contact with a pressing element 21 disposed opposite the latter.

The refill 20 comprises a body 23 and an applicator member 26 that is held in the body 23 and has an application surface 36 that comes into contact with the hair present above the pressing element 21.

The refill 20 can be fastened to the arm 5 or 6 by any means, notably, as illustrated in FIG. 3, by sliding a rib 27 of the body 23 into a groove 29 with a complementary shape.

The body 23 has a cavity 30 that opens towards the outside by way of an opening 31 into which the applicator member 26 is inserted while the refill 20 is being manufactured. The body 23 comprises reliefs 32 for holding the applicator member 26 that extend into the cavity 30.

The body 23 and the applicator member 26 have substantially the overall shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and are elongate along a longitudinal axis Z.

The applicator member 26 is composed for example of fibres that are oriented substantially in the same direction, parallel to the axis Z, and are assembled to form a felt. The application surface 35 of the applicator member 26 may, as illustrated, be flat.

Alternatively, the applicator member 26 can be produced by assembling two felts, notably with different densities. In this alternative, one of the felts can be composed of fibres which are oriented in one direction, notably parallel to the axis Z, and the other of the felts can be composed of fibres which are oriented in a direction perpendicular to the other fibres and notably perpendicular to the axis Z.

As can notably be seen, in FIG. 3, the pressing element 21 has a bearing surface 36 which may have a shape complementary to the application surface 35. The bearing surface 36 can thus be flat, elongate along a longitudinal axis Y substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Z in the moved-together position of the arms 5 and 6, and have substantially the same extent as the application surface 35.

The pressing element 21 is housed removably in a housing 38 through a front opening in the latter. The housing 38 also opens outwards through at least one opening 37 facing the applicator member 26.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the pressing element 21 is introduced into its housing 38 by ribs 45 on the housing 38 being slid into corresponding grooves 48 in the pressing element 21. The ribs 45 are disposed on opposite side walls 54 and 56 of the housing 38. The grooves 48 in the pressing element 21 are disposed on the side walls of the pressing element 21, which face the walls 54 and 56, respectively.

The pressing element 21 is able to move along an axis Q perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y, between a high position spaced apart from the bottom of the housing 38 and a low position moved together therewith.

The pressing element 21 bears against a support means 40 that extends in the housing 38, allowing the pressing element 21 to carry out a rocking movement and, in the open position of the arms 5 and 6, keeping the pressing element 21 in the high position. The travel P of the pressing element between its high position and its low position is between 1 mm and 5 mm, for example equal to around 3 mm. The movement of the pressing element 21 is limited by the bottom 42 of the housing or by the width l of the groove 48.

The travel of the pressing element advantageously makes it possible to position the pressing element, in the closed position of the device, such that the hairs are substantially aligned, that is to say without deviation of a lock of hair between the part situated between the heated plates and the part situated between the pressing element and the applicator member. In other words, while the device is being used, the distance between the two heated plates is substantially equal to the distance between the pressing element and the applicator member, these two distances being measured in a direction substantially collinear with the axis Q. Moreover, the bearing surface 36 of the pressing element is substantially coplanar with the heating surface 16, while the application surface 35 is substantially coplanar with the heating surface 15, in planes normal to the direction Q. This thus improves the straightening of the hair by the device.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the support means 40 is a leaf spring fastened in a depression 41 in the pressing element 21, oriented towards the bottom 42 of the housing 38. Thus, the leaf spring 40 bears against the bottom 42 of the housing 38 in a region 43 about which the rocking of the pressing element 21 takes place about a rotation axis B substantially perpendicular to the axes Y and Q.

At its ends, the leaf spring 40 has fastening tabs 44 that come into contact with the pressing element 21 in the depression 41 and, therebetween, a portion 46 that is convex towards the bottom 42 of the housing 38, the central part of which defines the rocking region 43.

The height s taken up by the leaf spring 40 prior to introduction into the housing 88 is greater than or equal to the distance f between the bottom of the housing 43 and the bottom of the depression 41. Thus, the leaf spring 40 is always loaded by contact with the bottom of the housing 42. The distance f is for example between 1 mm and 5 mm, and for example equal to around 3 mm.

The housing 38 is substantially the same length L as the pressing element 21. The length L of the pressing element 21 is for example between 70 mm and 110 mm, preferably 90 mm. Preferably, the pressing element has a length substantially equal to the length of the heating surface(s).

The grooves 48 have a width l greater than the thickness e of the ribs 45. The width l of the ribs 48 is for example between 1 mm and 5 mm, for example equal to around 3.2 mm. The thickness e of the grooves 45 is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, in this case equal to 1 mm. Such a difference allows the pressing element 21 to move along the axis Y and/or to rock as described above.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the two ribs 45 are offset along the axis Q by a distance d of for example between 1 mm and 5 mm, for example equal to around 2 mm.

The pressing element 21 is locked in the housing 38 by a protruding relief 50, visible in FIGS. 5 and 6, that is present in the groove 48 in the pressing element 21 and which engages with a set-back relief 52, visible in FIG. 4, in the rib 45 of the housing 38.

The relief 50 does not extend along the entire width l of the groove 48, and so, in order to remove the pressing element 21, it is sufficient to press on the latter such that it is depressed along the axis Q and the relief 50 detaches from the relief 52. It is thus possible to slide the pressing element 21 forwards in the housing 38.

The comb 13 is situated upstream of the applicator member 26 and the pressing element 21 in the direction D of movement of the handpiece 2. The comb 13 is integral with the pressing element 21, preferably being moulded in one piece with the latter.

The comb 13 extends parallel to the bearing surface 36 and along substantially the entire length thereof.

The comb 13 has a plurality of teeth 55 that each extend along an axis parallel to the axis Q. The comb 13 advantageously has more than 20 teeth 55, better still more than 30 teeth 55, and in this case there are around 44 teeth.

The base of the teeth 55 is set back with respect to the bearing surface 35, notably by a distance r of between 0.2 mm and 5 mm, for example equal to 2 mm. This allows the hair to be inserted properly between the bearing surface 36 and the application surface 35.

The teeth 55 are preferably all the same height H, between 2 mm and 12 mm, for example equal to 8 mm. This height is sufficiently great to allow a proper hold of the hair between the teeth 55.

The teeth 55 are all at equal distances from one another. The spacing k between the teeth 55 is preferably between 0.3 mm and 3 mm, for example equal to 1 mm. The pressing element 21 may comprise a relief such as a tongue 57 to make it easier to grasp.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, the handpiece 2 has a steam outlet 58 that is disposed on the arm 6 and is used after the cosmetic product has been applied to the hair.

Thus, while the handpiece 2 is being used, the user closes the two arms 5 and 6 around a lock of hair and moves the handpiece 2, in the closed position, from the root of the hair to the end of the latter. The hair is first of all combed by the comb 13, then product is applied by the hair being pressed against the applicator member 26 by the pressing element 21, and then the hair is subjected to steam by the steam outlet 58 and finally is heated between two heating surfaces 15 and 16.

The example in FIGS. 7 and 8 differs from the one in FIGS. 1 to 6 in that the leaf spring 40 is fastened or positioned in the housing 38. The latter comprises for example a depression 60 that receives the leaf spring 40, where the latter is fastened by any suitable fastening means.

The leaf spring 40 is then in contact with the bottom of the housing 42 by way of its ends 44 and its region of contact with the pressing element 21 defines a rocking region 43.

The examples in FIGS. 9 and 10 differ from the one in FIGS. 1 to 6 in that the support means 40 is a relief protruding from the pressing element 21 or from the bottom 42 of the housing 38.

In the example in FIG. 9, the protruding relief 40 is a relief on the bottom 42 of the housing 38. The relief 40 has a substantially triangular shape, in section in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the pressing element 21.

This does not have to be the case, and the protruding relief 40 may notably have a semicircular or semi-polygonal shape.

The protruding relief 40 may be in the form of a tooth which extends from the centre of the bottom 42 of the housing 38 and against which the pressing element 21 bears. The pressing element 21 can bear against the end of the tooth 40, which has a small extent. This allows the pressing element to rock about at least two different rotation axes, notably an axis parallel to the axis Y and the axis B.

Alternatively, the protruding relief 40 can be in the form of a half-cylinder extending along an axis parallel to the axis B, and the pressing element 24 bears against a generatrix of the relief 40.

The example in FIG. 10 differs from the one in FIG. 9 in that the protruding relief 40 belongs to the pressing element 21.

The example in FIG. 11 differs from the one in FIGS. 1 to 6 in that the support means 40 is a coil spring. The latter is interposed between the pressing element 21 and the bottom 42 of the housing 38. The pressing element 21 and the bottom of the housing 42 each comprise a depression 41 and 60, for keeping the coil spring 40 in position. The latter is disposed so as to bear against the centre of the pressing element 21.

The example in FIG. 12 differs from the one in FIG. 11 in that the support means 40 comprises two coil springs 40 a and 40 b, each disposed close to one end of the pressing element 21.

FIGS. 13A to 13C illustrate variants of the bearing surface 36 of the pressing element 21.

The bearing surface 36 can have a cross section that is curved, as illustrated in FIG. 13A, in the form of a dihedron, as illustrated in FIG. 13B, or in the form of a truncated dihedron, as illustrated in FIG. 13C. However, the invention is not limited to such forms.

The example in FIG. 14 differs from the one in FIGS. 1 to 4 in that the comb 13 is mounted on the pressing element 21 in a removable manner. The comb 13 may comprise at least one groove 70, notably a T-shaped groove, intended to engage with a complementary rib 72 on the pressing element 21. The groove 70 makes it possible to keep the comb 13 on the pressing element 21.

The comb 13 and/or the pressing element 21 may comprise a locking member (not illustrated) for preventing the comb from coming away freely from the pressing element 21.

Alternatively, the comb 13 comprises a rib and the applicator member comprises a corresponding groove. Any other means of removable fastening is also possible.

FIGS. 15 to 21 illustrate another variant of a pressing element 21 on which a comb 13 is mounted in a removable manner.

According to this other variant, the pressing element 21 has, along at least a part of its length, a cross section with the overall shape of a U. The upper surface of the web of the U in this case forms the bearing surface 36. The two lateral uprights 101, 102 of the U have respective retaining bulges 103 and 104. These bulges are oriented towards one another and extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the pressing element 21.

The lower arm 6, holding the pressing element 21, has a protruding relief 105 with a T-shaped cross section, the head 160 of which is held between the uprights 101 and 102.

The lower arm 6 also forms two housings for receiving respective springs 40 a, 40 b that are open towards the pressing element 21. Complementary guides for holding the coil springs 40 a, 40 b can be provided on the pressing element 21, notably in the region opposite the bearing surface 36.

The pressing element 21 comprises tabs 157, one of which is visible in FIG. 18 and which are each provided with facing protuberances 156. These protuberances 156 are intended to slide in grooves 155 in the relief 105, substantially half-way along the latter.

The pressing element 21 can be mounted on the lower arm 6 as follows:

-   -   the two coil springs 40 a, 40 b are disposed in the housings of         the lower arm 6 that are provided to this end;     -   the pressing element 21 is placed above the relief 105, such         that the pressing element 21 covers the two coil springs 40 a,         40 b;     -   the pressing element 21 is snapped into place on the relief 105,         so as to bring about the deformation of the lateral uprights         101, 102, until the bulges 103, 104 are snap-fastened on the         head 160 of the relief 105. The springs 40 a, 40 b urge the         bulges 103, 104 into abutment against the head 160 of the relief         105. The bulges 103, 104 prevent the pressing element 21 from         coming away from the lower arm 6.

While the pressing element 21 is being fitted, the tabs 157 deform elastically so as to allow the protuberances 156 to be fitted in the grooves 155.

Moreover, as shown, the pressing element 21 forms a rib 106 that extends in the longitudinal direction thereof. The rib 106 is in this case oriented towards the outside of the device, when the pressing element 21 is mounted.

A comb 13 that can be joined to the pressing element 21 is illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21.

The comb 13 has in this case two cylindrical ribs 107, 108 that extend in the longitudinal direction of the comb 13, on one and the same side thereof.

The cylindrical ribs 107, 108 each extend along only a part of the length of the comb 13, one after the other in the lengthwise direction of the comb 13.

The two cylindrical ribs 107, 108 are connected to a web 109 of the comb 13 by two lugs 110, 111 that extend substantially perpendicularly to the teeth 55 of the comb.

The comb 13 also has a blocking tab 115 which extends, as illustrated, perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the comb 13 and to the plane of the tongue 57.

The tab 115 is provided in the vicinity of the end of the comb 13 having the tongue 57. Preferably, the tab 115 is situated, in the lengthwise direction of the comb 13, between the teeth 55 and the tongue 57.

The comb 13 also has, at its opposite end from the one having the tongue 57, a locking relief 116. As illustrated in FIG. 21 notably, the locking relief 116 is in the form of an elastically deformable locking tab, successively comprising, from the opposite end of the comb 13 from the end having the tongue:

-   -   a first bulge 117,     -   a first depression 118 immediately adjacent to the first bulge         117, such that the comb 13 has a reduced thickness at this first         depression 118,     -   a second bulge 119, which is longer than the first bulge 117 and         has substantially the same thickness, and     -   a second depression 120, such that the thickness of the comb 13         at this second depression is substantially the same as that at         the first depression.

In this case, “thickness” is understood as meaning a dimension measured in a cross-sectional plane of the comb 13 and in a direction perpendicular to that of the height of the teeth 55.

Of course, further examples of locking reliefs can be implemented. Notably, it is possible for the second bulge and/or the second depression not to be present.

Windows 152 are provided in the structure which accommodates the pressing element 21 in order to receive the cylindrical wall of the housings 150 when the pressing element 21 is depressed.

The comb 13 is in this case mounted on the pressing element 21 for example as follows:

-   -   the two cylindrical ribs 107, 108 are placed next to the         corresponding housings 150 formed in the pressing element 21 in         a longitudinal direction of the pressing element 21, the         pressing element 21 being in a high position with the two arms         5, 6 of the device in the spaced-apart position;     -   the cylindrical ribs 107, 108 are slid into the housings 150 in         the longitudinal direction of the pressing element 21, the lugs         110, 111 passing through the openings in the housings 150;     -   the sliding movement is continued until the depression 118 of         the locking tab is snap-fastened to the edge 122 of a window 121         formed at the end of the element 21.

Once the comb has been fitted on the pressing element, the tab 115 closes the opening for introducing the comb into the pressing element.

During use, the applicator element comes into contact with the pressing element 21, at a particular angle. Next, the pressing element 21 rocks about the axis of the protuberances 156 in order to maximize the area of contact between the bearing surface 36 of the pressing element 21 and the application surface of the applicator element. Finally, the pressing element 21 is depressed vertically until the heated plates come into abutment, the protuberances 156 moving in the corresponding ribs 155.

The embodiment described with regard to FIGS. 15 to 21 makes it possible to have a uniform contact pressure over the entire contact area between the bearing surface and the application surface. This embodiment also makes it possible to have a maximum area of contact. The construction of the comb in this embodiment also has the advantage of limiting the impact thereof on the width of the device, such that device becomes more compact.

In this embodiment, the comb and the pressing element are advantageously produced by several crenellated extrusions, formed by the walls of the housing 150 and the cylindrical ribs 107, 108. Specifically, compared with a structure produced by a single extrusion, this makes it possible to limit the interactions with the springs and/or with the protuberances 156 defining the central guiding axis of the pressing element.

Another variant is illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 25, of a pressing element 21 on which a comb 13 is mounted in a removable manner.

According to this other variant, the pressing element 21 has, along at least a part of its length, a cross section in the overall shape of a U. The upper surface of the web of the U in this case forms the bearing surface 36. The two lateral uprights 101, 102 of the U are connected together by a central pin 200 and two end planes 202 and 203 that extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the pressing element 21. Alternatively, the central pin 200 extends from one of the two lateral uprights 101 or 102 towards the other of the lateral uprights but is not connected to the latter. The central pin 200 is substantially equidistant from the two end planes 202 and 203. The two end planes 202 and 203 make it possible to close the pressing element 120 at its ends, thereby increasing the strength and limiting deformations of the latter.

The lower arm 6, holding the pressing element 21, has a guide slot 205 that extends vertically and holds the pin 200 when the pressing element 21 is mounted on the arm 6, making it possible to guide the pin 200 in vertical movement.

The lower arm 6 also forms two housings for receiving respective springs 40 a, 40 b that are open towards the pressing element 21. Complementary guides for receiving coil springs 40 a, 40 b can be provided on the pressing element 21, notably in the region opposite the bearing surface 36.

The pressing element 21 comprises studs 210 and 212 that are moulded together with the pressing element 21 and have an internal thread. These studs 210 and 212 are housed in a sliding manner in through-holes 215 and 217 in the lower arm 6. They each carry, at their free end that juts out of the holes 215 and 217, a washer 220 and 222 and a screw 225 and 227. Such elements make it possible to keep the studs in the holes. The lower arm 6 has an internal space 230 allowing the vertical movement in this space 230 of the assemblies of screw tabs 210 and 212, washers 220 and 222 and screws 225 and 227 by sliding in the holes 215 and 217.

A comb 13 that can be joined to the pressing element 21 is illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 25.

The comb 13 has in this case two hooks 237, 238 that extend from the comb towards the rear of the latter on one and the same side thereof. The two hooks 237 and 238 each have an end portion that extends in the longitudinal direction of the comb 13 and are connected to the comb by a connecting portion that forms an elbow with the end portion. The hooks 237, 238 extend one behind the other in the lengthwise direction of the comb 13.

The pressing element 21 comprises windows 245 and 247 for respectively holding the hooks 237 and 238. The windows 245 and 247 are elongate along the longitudinal axis of the pressing element 21 such that the end portions of the hooks 237 and 238 can be inserted into said windows 245 and 247. The length of the windows is greater than or equal to the length of the end portions of the hooks 237 and 238.

Each end portion of the hooks 237 and 238 comprises a blocking relief 250 and 251 that is snap-fastened together with a complementary blocking relief 260 and 261 on the pressing element 21.

The connecting portion of the hooks 237 and 238 can have a surface 265 and 266 which is oriented towards the side opposite the hooks 237 and 238 and has a chamfer so as to be oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the comb. The end of the hooks 237 and 238 can also have a chamfer towards the inside of the hook. Such chamfers make it easier to remove the comb 13 from the pressing element 21.

The lateral surfaces of the windows 245 and 247 can also have oblique lateral surfaces (not shown) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pressing element 21. Such an orientation of the surfaces of the windows can make it even easier to remove the comb 13 from the pressing element 21 by guiding the hooks through the windows.

The comb 13 also has a gripping tab 214 which extends, as illustrated, perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the comb 13.

The comb 13 is mounted on the pressing element 21 in this case for example as follows:

-   -   the two hooks 237 and 238 are positioned next to the         corresponding windows 245 and 247 that are formed on the         pressing element 21, the latter being in the high position with         the two arms 5, 6 of the device in the spaced-apart position;     -   the hooks 237 and 238 are inserted into the windows 245 and 247         and the comb 13 is slid towards the rear, in the longitudinal         direction of the pressing element 21, the blocking reliefs 250         and 251 of the hooks 237 and 238 being snap-fastened onto the         complementary blocking reliefs 260 and 261 on the pressing         element 21.

During use, the applicator element comes into contact with the pressing element 21, at a particular angle. Next, the pressing element 21 rocks about the central pin 200 so as to maximize the area of contact between the bearing surface 36 of the pressing element 21 and the application surface of the applicator element. Finally, the pressing element 21 is depressed vertically until the heated plates come into abutment, the central pin 200 sliding in the slot 205 and the screw tabs 210 and 212 sliding in the holes 215 and 217.

The embodiment described with regard to FIGS. 22 to 25 makes it possible to have a greater strength of the pressing element and of the comb, better retention of the pressing element on the arm, a more limited lateral rocking clearance of the pressing element, thereby limiting the risks of disengagement of the pressing element, increasing the rigidity of the pressing element and improving the guiding of the pressing element on the arm.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which have just been described, the characteristics of which may be combined with one another as parts of variants which are not illustrated. The invention can also be varied in numerous ways which are achievable by a person skilled in the art.

For example, the bearing surface 36 can exhibit roughness which can help to straighten the hair. The pressing element and the applicator member can moreover be made of the same material. 

1. A device for treating the hair, comprising: a first and a second arm that are able to move relative to one another between a moved-together configuration for treating the hair and a spaced-apart configuration for inserting hair to be treated between said arms, the first arm carrying an applicator member for applying a cosmetic product that is able to come into contact with the hair in the moved-together configuration of the arms, and the second arm having at least one housing; a pressing element disposed removably in the housing, the pressing element being configured to press the hair against the applicator member in the moved-together configuration; and a support means on which the pressing member bears in the housing, this support means being configured to allow the pressing element to carry out a rocking movement in the housing.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing element is in one piece.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing element has a bearing surface having a shape complementary to that of the application surface of the applicator member.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is closed over at least three of its sides and over its bottom.
 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing element has a bearing surface and the applicator member has an application surface, the bearing surface and the application surface being flat in their opposing regions.
 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing element is inserted into the housing or withdrawn therefrom through a front opening in the latter.
 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing element comprises at least one relief such as a rib or a groove that cooperates with a complementary relief such as a groove or a rib on an opposing wall of the device, at least partially defining the housing.
 8. The device according to claim 1, which comprises, on the second arm, at least one member for locking the pressing element in the housing.
 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing element is able to move along an axis perpendicular to the application surface.
 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the travel of the pressing element is such that, while the device is being used, the hairs to be treated, which are held between the two arms of the device, are aligned, and extend parallel to a direction of movement of the device.
 11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the applicator member is saturated with cosmetic product to be applied to the hair.
 12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the support means is a relief protruding from the bottom of the housing and/or of the pressing element.
 13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the support means comprises at least one spring, disposed in the housing.
 14. The device according to claim 12, wherein the spring(s) force(s) the pressing element into abutment against the relief protruding from the bottom of the housing.
 15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the bearing region about which the rocking takes place in the housing is situated substantially half-way along the pressing element.
 16. The device according to claim 1, which comprises a detection member for recording the number of applications of product and/or the time for which the hair is pressed against the applicator member.
 17. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the arms is provided with a heated plate intended to come into contact with a lock of hair to be treated, in the closed position of the device.
 18. A method for treating hair with the aid of a device according to claim 1, wherein the arms of the device are closed around a lock of hair and said device is moved along the lock of hair in order to expose the latter to the successive steps of: applying the cosmetic product by the lock of hair being pressed against the applicator member by the pressing element; optionally, applying steam to the lock of hair; and straightening the hair by heating the lock of hair in contact with a heated plate.
 19. The device according to claim 8, the at least one member being a locking member intended to cooperate with a corresponding relief on the pressing element.
 20. The device according to claim 9, the pressing element being over a maximum depression travel of between 1 mm and 5 mm.
 21. The device according to claim 13, the support means being fastened to the bottom of the housing or fastened to the pressing element.
 22. The device according to claim 16, the detection member comprising a switch, a reed switch, or an optical, inductive or capacitive sensor, the detection member being disposed in the housing. 